Communication control method, user terminal, processor, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

A communication control method used in a cellular mobile communication system that supports inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, comprises a step of transmitting, by a first user terminal, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication, a step of transmitting, by the network, to a second user terminal, start request information for starting waiting for a search signal, in a case where the second user terminal identified on the basis of the communication request information is stopping the waiting for the search signal for the inter-terminal communication, and a step of starting, by the second user terminal, waiting for the search signal upon receiving the start request information from the network.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication control method, a user terminal, a processor, and a storage medium, which are used in a cellular mobile communication system supporting D2D communication.

BACKGROUND ART

In 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) which is a project aiming to standardize a cellular mobile communication system, the introduction of Device to Device (D2D) communication is discussed as a new function after release 12 (see Non-Patent Document 1).

In the D2D communication, a plurality of user terminals proximal to one another are able to perform direct communication with each other in the state where a radio connection with a network is established (in the state where synchronization is achieved).

In addition, the D2D communication is also called Proximity Service communication.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Non-Patent Document

-   Non-Patent Document 1:3GPP technical report “TR 22.803 V0.3.0” May     2012

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, the current 3GPP standards do not define specifications for appropriately controlling the D2D communication. Thus, there is a problem that the D2D communication and the cellular communication (radio communication between a user terminal and a base station) are difficult to be compatible with each other.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication control method, a user terminal, a processor, and a storage medium, with which it is possible to appropriately control D2D communication.

A communication control method of the present invention is characterized in that the communication control method is a communication control method used in a cellular mobile communication system that supports inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, and the communication control method comprises a step of transmitting, by a first user terminal, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication, a step of transmitting, by the network, to a second user terminal, start request information for starting waiting for a search signal, in a case where the second user terminal identified on the basis of the communication request information is stopping the waiting for the search signal for the inter-terminal communication, and a step of starting, by the second user terminal, waiting for the search signal upon receiving the start request information from the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an LTE system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of UE.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of eNB.

FIG. 4 is a protocol stack diagram of a radio interface in the LTE system.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a radio frame used in the LTE system.

FIG. 6 illustrates a data path in cellular communication.

FIG. 7 illustrates a data path in D2D communication.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of a search operation pattern 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of a search operation pattern 2 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a determination operation of a method of assigning radio resource according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a radio resource assignment operation according to the embodiment (part 1).

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a radio resource assignment operation according to the embodiment (part 2).

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a radio resource assignment operation according to the embodiment (part 3).

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining transmission power control and retransmission control according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram when transmission power in the D2D communication exceeds maximum transmission power.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an interference avoidance operation according to the embodiment (part 1).

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an interference avoidance operation according to the embodiment (part 2).

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT Overview of Embodiment

A communication control method according to the embodiment is a communication control method used in a cellular mobile communication system that supports inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, comprising: a step of transmitting, by a first user terminal, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication; a step of transmitting, by the network, to a second user terminal, start request information for starting waiting for a search signal, in a case where the second user terminal identified on the basis of the communication request information is stopping the waiting for the search signal for the inter-terminal communication; and a step of starting, by the second user terminal, waiting for the search signal upon receiving the start request information from the network.

The communication request information may include at least one of: an identifier of an application to be used in the inter-terminal communication; an identifier of a group of user terminals between which the inter-terminal communication is to be performed; and an identifier of the second user terminal.

The communication control method according to the embodiment may further comprise: a step of starting, by the first user terminal, a transmission of the search signal when it is desired to start the inter-terminal communication; and a step of transmitting, by the second user terminal, to the first user terminal, a response signal for the search signal upon receiving the search signal from the first user terminal after starting the waiting.

The communication control method according to the embodiment may further comprises: a step of notifying, by the second user terminal, the network of transmission power of the response signal and received power of the search signal upon transmitting the response signal; a step of notifying, by the first user terminal, the network of received power of the response signal and transmission power of the search signal upon receiving the response signal; and a step of determining, by the network, whether the inter-terminal communication by the first user terminal and the second user terminal is possible on the basis of a distance estimated from the transmission power and the received power of the search signal and the transmission power and the received power of the response signal.

A user terminal according to the embodiment is a user terminal that supports inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, comprising: a processor that performs a process for transmitting, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication.

A user terminal according to the embodiment is a user terminal that supports inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, comprising: a processor that performs a process for, in a case where waiting for a search signal for the inter-terminal communication is being stopping, starting waiting for the search signal upon receiving start request information for starting waiting for the search signal from the network.

A processor according to the embodiment is a processor provided in a user terminal that supports inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, wherein the processor performs a process for transmitting, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication.

A processor according to the embodiment is a processor provided in a user terminal that supports inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, wherein the processor performs a process for, in a case where waiting for a search signal for the inter-terminal communication is being stopped, starting waiting for the search signal upon receiving start request information for starting waiting for the search signal from the network.

A storage medium according to the embodiment is a storage medium provided in a user terminal that supports inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, wherein the storage medium stores therein a program for the user terminal to perform a process for transmitting, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication.

A storage medium according to the embodiment is a storage medium provided in a user terminal that supports inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, wherein the storage medium stores therein a program for the user terminal to perform a process for, in a case where waiting for a search signal for the inter-terminal communication is being stopped, starting waiting for the search signal upon receiving start request information for starting waiting for the search signal from the network.

An embodiment of a cellular mobile communication system of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a description will be provided for an embodiment in which D2D communication is introduced to a cellular mobile communication system (hereinafter, an “LTE system”) configured in conformity to the 3GPP standards.

(1) Overview of LTE System

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an LTE system according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the LTE system includes a plurality of UEs (User Equipments) 100, E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) 10, and EPC (Evolved Packet Core) 20. In the present embodiment, the E-UTRAN 10 and the EPC 20 configure a network.

The UE 100 is a mobile radio communication device and performs radio communication with a cell (a serving cell) with which a radio connection is established. The UE 100 corresponds to a user terminal.

The E-UTRAN 10 includes a plurality of eNBs 200 (evolved Node-Bs). The eNB 200 corresponds to a base station. The eNB 200 manages a cell and performs radio communication with the UE 100 which is established a radio connection with the cell.

In addition, the “cell” is used as a term indicating a minimum unit of a radio communication area, and is also used as a function of performing radio communication with the UE 100.

The eNB 200, for example, has a radio resource management (RRM) function, a routing function of user data, and a measurement control function for mobility control and scheduling.

The EPC 20 includes MME (Mobility Management Entity)/S-GW (Serving-Gateway) 300 and OAM 400 (Operation and Maintenance).

The MME is a network node that performs various types of mobility control and the like for the UE 100 and corresponds to a control station. The S-GW is a network node that performs transfer control of user data and corresponds to a mobile switching center.

The eNBs 200 are connected mutually via an X2 interface. Furthermore, the eNBs 200 are connected to the MME/S-GW 300 via an S1 interface.

The OAM 400 is a server device managed by an operator and performs maintenance and monitoring of the E-UTRAN 10.

Next, the configurations of the UE 100 and the eNB 200 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the UE 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the UE 100 includes an antenna 101, a radio transceiver 110, a user interface 120, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 130, a battery 140, a memory 150, and a processor 160. The memory 150 corresponds to a storage medium.

The UE 100 may not have the GNSS receiver 130. Furthermore, the memory 150 may be integrally formed with the processor 160, and this set (that is, a chipset) may be called a processor 160′.

The antenna 101 and the radio transceiver 110 are used for transmission/reception of a radio signal. The antenna 101 includes a plurality of antenna elements. The radio transceiver 110 converts a baseband signal output from the processor 160 into a radio signal, and transmits the radio signal from the antenna 101. Furthermore, the radio transceiver 110 converts a radio signal received in the antenna 101 into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 160.

The user interface 120 is an interface with a user carrying the UE 100, and for example, includes a display, a microphone, a speaker, and various buttons and the like. The user interface 120 receives an operation from a user and outputs a signal indicating the content of the operation to the processor 160.

The GNSS receiver 130 receives a GNSS signal in order to obtain location information indicating a geographical location of the UE 100, and outputs the received signal to the processor 160.

The battery 140 accumulates power to be supplied to each block of the UE 100.

The memory 150 stores a program to be executed by the processor 160 and information to be used for a process by the processor 160.

The processor 160 includes a baseband processor configured to perform modulation/demodulation, coding/decoding and the like of the baseband signal, and CPU (Central Processing Unit) configured to perform various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 150. Moreover, the processor 160 may include a codec configured to perform coding/decoding of a voice/video signal.

The processor 160, for example, implements various communication protocols which will be described later, as well as implementing various applications. Details of the processes performed by the processor 160 will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the eNB 200. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the eNB 200 includes an antenna 201, a radio transceiver 210, a network interface 220, a memory 230, and a processor 240. Note that the memory 230 may be integrally formed with the processor 240, and this set (that is, a chipset) may be called a processor.

The antenna 201 and the radio transceiver 210 are used for transmission/reception of a radio signal. The antenna 201 includes a plurality of antenna elements. The radio transceiver 210 converts a baseband signal output from the processor 240 into a radio signal, and transmits the radio signal from the antenna 201. Furthermore, the radio transceiver 210 converts a radio signal received in the antenna 201 into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 240.

The network interface 220 is connected to the neighboring eNB 200 via the X2 interface and is connected to the MME/S-GW 300 via the S1 interface. The network interface 220 is used in communication performed on the X2 interface and communication performed on the S1 interface.

The memory 230 stores a program to be executed by the processor 240 and information to be used for a process by the processor 240.

The processor 240 includes a baseband processor configured to perform modulation/demodulation, coding/decoding and the like of the baseband signal, and CPU configured to perform various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 230.

The processor 240, for example, implements various communication protocols which will be described later. Details of the processes performed by the processor 240 will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a protocol stack diagram of a radio interface in the LTE system.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the radio interface protocol is classified into a layer 1 to a layer 3 of an OSI reference model, wherein the layer 1 is a physical (PHY) layer. The layer 2 includes a MAC (Medium Access Control) layer, an RLC (Radio Link Control) layer, and a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer. The layer 3 includes an RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer.

The PHY layer performs coding/decoding, modulation/demodulation, antenna mapping/demapping, and resource mapping/demapping. The PHY layer provides a transmission service to an upper layer by using a physical channel. Between the PHY layer of the UE 100 and the PHY layer of the eNB 200, data is transmitted through the physical channel.

The MAC layer performs preferential control of data, and a retransmission process and the like by hybrid ARQ (HARQ). Between the MAC layer of the UE 100 and the MAC layer of the eNB 200, data is transmitted through a transport channel. The MAC layer of the eNB 200 includes a MAC scheduler for determining a transport format (a transport block size, a modulation and coding scheme, and the like) and a resource block of an uplink and a downlink.

The RLC layer transmits data to an RLC layer of a reception side by using the functions of the MAC layer and the PHY layer. Between the RLC layer of the UE 100 and the RLC layer of the eNB 200, data is transmitted through a logical channel.

The PDCP layer performs header compression/extension and encryption/decryption.

The RRC layer is defined only in a control plane. Between the RRC layer of the UE 100 and the RRC layer of the eNB 200, data is transmitted through a radio bearer. The RRC layer controls the logical channel, the transport channel, and the physical channel in response to establishment, re-establishment, and release of the radio bearer. When there is an RRC connection between RRC of the UE 100 and RRC of the eNB 200, the UE 100 is in an RRC connected state. Otherwise, the UE 100 is in an RRC idle state.

A NAS (Non-Access Stratum) layer positioned above the RRC layer performs session management, mobility management and the like.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a radio frame used in the LTE system. In the LTE system, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Access) is employed in a downlink, and SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) is employed in an uplink, respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the radio frame includes 10 subframes arranged in a time-period direction, wherein each subframe includes two slots arranged in the time-period direction. Each subframe has a length of 1 ms and each slot has a length of 0.5 ms. Each subframe includes a plurality of resource blocks (RBs) in a frequency direction, and a plurality of symbols in the time-period direction. Each symbol is provided at a head thereof with a guard interval called a cyclic prefix (CP).

In the downlink, an interval of several symbols at the head of each subframe is a control region mainly used as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Furthermore, the other interval of each subframe is a region mainly used as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

In the uplink, both end portions in the frequency direction of each subframe are control regions mainly used as a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). Furthermore, the center portion in the frequency direction of each subframe is a region mainly used as a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

(2) Overview of D2D Communication

Next, the LTE system will be described with comparing the normal communication (the cellular communication) with the D2D communication.

FIG. 6 illustrates a data path in the cellular communication. Furthermore, FIG. 6 illustrates the case in which the cellular communication is performed between UE (A) 100-1 which is established a radio connection with eNB 200-1 and UE (B) 100-2 which is established a radio connection with eNB 200-2. In addition, the data path indicates a data transfer path of user data (a user plane).

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the data path of the cellular communication passes through the network. Specifically, the data path via the eNB 200-1, the S-GW 300, and the eNB 200-2 is set.

FIG. 7 illustrates a data path in the D2D communication. Furthermore, FIG. 7 illustrates the case in which the D2D communication is performed between the UE (A) 100-1 which is established a radio connection with the eNB 200-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 which is established a radio connection with the eNB 200-2.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the data path of the D2D communication does not pass through the network. That is, direct radio communication is performed between the UEs. In this way, when the UE (B) 100-2 exists in the vicinity of the UE (A) 100-1, the D2D communication is performed between the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2, thereby obtaining an effect that a traffic load of the network and a battery consumption amount of the UE 100 are reduced and so on.

In addition, the D2D communication is assumed to be performed in the frequency band of the LTE system, and for example, in order to avoid interference to the cellular communication, the D2D communication is performed under the control of the network.

(3) Operation According to Embodiment

Hereinafter, the operation according to the embodiment will be described.

(3.1) Search Operation

The UE (A) desiring to start the D2D communication should have a (Discover) function of discovering the UE (B) that is a communication partner existing in the vicinity of the UE (A). Furthermore, the UE (B) should have a (Discoverable) function of being discovered by the UE (A).

In the present embodiment, the UE (A) periodically transmits a search signal (a Discover signal) to around the UE (A) in order to discover the UE (B) that is a communication partner. In order to be discovered by the UE (A), the UE (B) waits for the search signal and transmits a response signal to the UE (A) in response to the reception of the search signal. Then, the network determines whether the D2D communication by the UE (A) and the UE (B) is possible.

(3.1.1) Operation Pattern 1

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of a search operation pattern 1 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, in step S1, the UE (A) 100-1 transmits a search signal to around the UE (A) 100-1. The search signal includes an identifier of the UE (A) 100-1 and an identifier of an application to be used in the D2D communication. The identifier of the application, for example, is used in order to limit UE (UE which will transmit a response signal) which will respond to the search signal. The search signal may further include an identifier of the UE (B) 100-2 that is a communication partner, or an identifier of a group (a D2D communication group) of the UE 100 which will perform the D2D communication. Furthermore, when transmitting the search signal, the UE (A) 100-1 stores transmission power of the search signal.

The UE (B) 100-2 waits for the search signal and receives the search signal from the UE (A) 100-1. The UE (B) 100-2 measures received power (reception strength) of the search signal and stores the measured received power.

In step S2, the UE (B) 100-2 transmits a response signal to the UE (A) in response to the reception of the search signal. The response signal includes an identifier of the UE (B) 100-2 and an identifier of an application to be used in the D2D communication. Furthermore, when transmitting the response signal, the UE (B) 100-2 stores transmission power of the response signal.

The UE (A) 100-1 waits for the response signal and receives the response signal from the UE (B) 100-2. The UE (A) 100-1 measures received power (reception strength) of the response signal and stores the measured received power.

In step S3, in response to the reception of the response signal, the UE (A) 100-1 transmits, to the eNB 200, a D2D communication request (A) indicating that the start of the D2D communication is desired. The D2D communication request (A) includes the identifier of the UE (A) 100-1 and the identifier of the application to be used in the D2D communication. The D2D communication request (A) further includes information on the transmission power of the search signal and information on the received power of the response signal.

When the D2D communication request (A) is received, the eNB 200 measures received power of the D2D communication request (A), adds information on the measured received power to the D2D communication request (A), and transfers the D2D communication request (A) to the MME/S-GW 300.

In step S4, in response to the transmission of the response signal, the UE (B) 100-2 transmits, to the eNB 200, a D2D communication request (B) indicating that the start of the D2D communication is desired. The D2D communication request (B) includes the identifier of the UE (B) 100-2 and the identifier of the application to be used in the D2D communication. The D2D communication request (B) further includes information on the transmission power of the response signal and information on the received power of the search signal.

When the D2D communication request (B) is received, the eNB 200 measures received power of the D2D communication request (B), adds information on the measured received power to the D2D communication request (B), and transfers the D2D communication request (B) to the MME/S-GW 300.

When the D2D communication request (A) and the D2D communication request (B) are received, the MME/S-GW 300 determines whether the D2D communication by the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 is possible on the basis of a distance between the UEs, a distance between the UE and the eNB, application characteristics and the like, which are obtained from the D2D communication request (A) and the D2D communication request (B). For example, the MME/S-GW 300 determines whether the D2D communication is possible by at least one of the following first determination reference to third determination reference.

Firstly, when the UE (B) 100-2 does not exist in the vicinity of the UE (A) 100-1, the MME/S-GW 300 determines that the D2D communication is not possible. This is because the D2D communication is basically performed between neighboring UEs 100, and interference and a battery consumption amount are increased when the D2D communication is performed between UEs 100 remote from each other.

For example, since it is possible to know propagation loss by the difference between the transmission power of the search signal included in the D2D communication request (A) and the received power of the search signal included in the D2D communication request (B), the MME/S-GW 300 is able to estimate a distance between the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 on the basis of the propagation loss. Similarly, since it is possible to know propagation loss by the difference between the transmission power of the response signal included in the D2D communication request (B) and the received power of the response signal included in the D2D communication request (A), the MME/S-GW 300 is able to estimate the distance between the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 on the basis of the propagation loss.

In addition, when the transmission power of the search signal and the transmission power of the response signal are each uniformly defined in an entire system in advance, information on the transmission power may not be included in the D2D communication request.

Secondly, when the eNB 200 exists in the vicinity of the UE (A) 100-1 or the eNB 200 exists in the vicinity of the UE (B) 100-2, the MME/S-GW 300 determines that the D2D communication is not possible. This is because interference to the eNB 200 is increased when the D2D communication is performed in the vicinity of the eNB 200.

For example, since it is possible to know rough propagation loss from received power when the eNB 200 received the D2D communication request (A), the MME/S-GW 300 is able to estimate the distance between the UE (A) 100-1 and the eNB 200 on the basis of the propagation loss. Similarly, since it is possible to know rough propagation loss from received power when the eNB 200 received the D2D communication request (B), the MME/S-GW 300 is able to estimate the distance between the UE (B) 100-2 and the eNB 200 on the basis of the propagation loss. In addition, in order to accurately obtain the propagation loss, the transmission power of the D2D communication request may be notified from the UE.

Thirdly, in the case of an application that generates temporary traffic or in a small amount (a low load), the MME/S-GW 300 determines that the D2D communication is not possible. In other words, only in the case of an application that generates continuous traffic with a large capacity (a high load), the MME/S-GW 300 determines that the D2D communication is possible. This is because a merit of the D2D communication may not be sufficiently achieved when treating traffic temporarily or in a low load.

For example, since a streaming or video communication application generates continuous traffic with a high load, the MME/S-GW 300 determines that the D2D communication is possible. Details thereof will be described later, but the D2D communication may also be applied to the application that generates the traffic temporarily or in a small amount (a low load).

When it is determined that the D2D communication by the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 is possible, the MME/S-GW 300 notifies the eNB 200 of necessary information and the fact that the D2D communication is possible, so that the D2D communication is started under the control of the eNB 200.

According to the operation pattern 1, the D2D communication is possible only when the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 are in a state suitable for the D2D communication.

(3.1.2) Operation Pattern 2

The aforementioned operation pattern 1 assumes the case in which the UE (B) always waits for the search signal. However, for example, it is possible to assume the case of stopping waiting for the search signal in order to reduce a battery consumption amount. In this regard, in the operation pattern 2, it is assumed that UE (A) is able to discover UE (B) in such a sleep state of the D2D communication.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of the search operation pattern 2 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in step S11, the UE (A) 100-1 transmits, to the eNB 200, a D2D communication request indicating that the start of the D2D communication is desired. The eNB 200 transfers the D2D communication request from the UE (A) 100-1 to the MME/S-GW 300. The D2D communication request includes the identifier of the UE (A) 100-1 and the identifier of the application to be used in the D2D communication. The D2D communication request may further include an identifier of the UE (B) 100-2 that is a communication partner, or an identifier of a group (a D2D communication group) of the UE 100 which will perform the D2D communication.

In step S12, the MME/S-GW 300 designates UE (B) 100-2, which satisfies the D2D communication request from the UE (A) 100-1, among UEs 100 existing in a camping area (or a camping cell) of the UE (A) 100-1. Furthermore, the MME/S-GW 300 confirms the state of the UE (B) 100-2 so as to determine whether the waiting for the search signal is in progress or being cancelled. Hereinafter, the following description will be given on the assumption that the UE (B) 100-2 stops waiting for the search signal.

In step S13, the MME/S-GW 300 transmits, to the eNB 200, a waiting start request directed to the UE (B) 100-2. The eNB 200 transfers the waiting start request from the MME/S-GW 300 to the UE (B) 100-2.

In step S14, when the waiting start request is received, the UE (B) 100-2 starts to wait for the search signal. Specifically, the UE (B) 100-2 attempts the reception of the search signal at a predetermined cycle.

After starting to wait for the search signal, when the search signal from the UE (A) 100-1 is received (step S1), the UE (B) 100-2 transmits a response signal for the search signal to the UE (A) 100-1 (step S2). Subsequent operations are similar to those of the operation pattern 1.

According to the operation pattern 2, the UE (B) 100-2 even in the sleep state of the D2D communication can be discovered by the UE (A) 100-1.

(3.2) Radio Resource Assignment in D2D Communication

Next, an assignment operation of a radio resource in the D2D communication will be described. The “radio resource” indicates a resource block (RB) that is a unit of a time-frequency resource, that is, a frequency band. Furthermore, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) in radio communication may be included in the “radio resource”.

(3.2.1) Method of Assigning Radio Resource

The eNB 200 performs quasi-static radio resource assignment for the D2D communication. In the present embodiment, the eNB 200 determines a method of assigning radio resource in the D2D communication in response to the characteristics of an application that is used in the D2D communication.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a determination operation of the method of assigning radio resource in the present embodiment. Before the present flow is performed, the eNB 200 acquires an identifier of the application, which is used in the D2D communication, from the MME/S-GW 300. Alternatively, the eNB 200 may acquire the identifier of the application, which is used in the D2D communication, from the UE 100 performing the D2D communication.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in step S21, the eNB 200 recognizes the characteristics of the application from the identifier of the application that is used in the D2D communication. For example, the eNB 200 holds in advance a table, in which the identifier of the application is correlated with the characteristics thereof, and is able to recognize the characteristics of the application by using the table.

When traffic generated by the application used in the D2D communication produces a low load and is temporary (for example, in the case of a chat and the like), the eNB 200 determines to assign a radio resource, which is commonly used in another D2D communication, to the D2D communication in step S22. In this way, it is possible to save the radio resource. In this case, difference codes (spread codes) are assigned to each of various types of D2D communication to which the same radio resource is assigned, so that code division is possible. For example, a code 1 is assigned to a D2D communication pair 1 and a code 2 is assigned to a D2D communication pair 2, so that each pair is able to separate the information of one pair from the information of the other pair.

Furthermore, when the traffic generated by the application used in the D2D communication produces a high load and is continuous (for example, in the case of streaming and the like), the eNB 200 determines to periodically assign a dedicated radio resource to the D2D communication in step S23. In this way, it is possible to transmit a large amount of traffic in the D2D communication.

Moreover, when the traffic generated by the application used in the D2D communication has a high load, is continuous, and requires low delay (for example, video communication and the like), the eNB 200 determines assignment such that the dedicated radio resource is repeatedly transmitted in a cyclic manner, in step S24. In this way, it is possible to transmit a large amount of traffic in the D2D communication and also possible to enhance the reliability of communication. The repetitive transmission is not limited to a scheme for repeatedly transmitting the same data a plurality of times. For example, the repetitive transmission may include a scheme for changing a redundant bit whenever the radio resource is transmitted and repeatedly transmitting the radio resource (for example, an Incremental Redundancy scheme).

In accordance with the method of assigning radio resource according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately assign the radio resource in the D2D communication in response to the characteristics of the application used in the D2D communication.

(3.2.2) Radio Resource Assignment Based on Buffer State Report

When the UE 100 simultaneously performs the cellular communication and the D2D communication, it is preferable that the eNB 200 is able to control radio resource assignment for the D2D communication, separately from the cellular communication. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the radio resource assignment is controlled for the D2D communication, separately from the cellular communication.

Furthermore, in the cellular communication, there is a scheme in which the UE 100 transmits a buffer state report (BSR) to the eNB 200, and the eNB 200 controls the assignment of an uplink radio resource to the UE 100 on the basis of the BSR from the UE 100, the BSR indicating the amount of data waiting for transmission (a transmission buffer stay amount) to the eNB 200. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the radio resource assignment is also controlled in the D2D communication on the basis of the BSR.

Hereinafter, a description will be provided for an operation for performing radio resource assignment control of the D2D communication by employing an example in which the UE (A) 100-1 performing only the cellular communication by using a plurality of applications switches a part of the applications to the D2D communication.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the UE (A) 100-1 performing only the cellular communication by using a plurality of applications.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the UE (A) 100-1 implements applications 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . , and transmits traffic generated by each application and a control signal to the eNB 200 by using a plurality of logical channels. In the physical (PHY) layer, each logical channel is provided with a buffer for temporarily holding data transmitted through the logical channel.

The logical channels are grouped into a plurality of logical channel groups (LCG). In the example of FIG. 11, there are four LCGs of LCG 0 to LCG 3. When BSR is transmitted for each logical channel, since overhead is increased, the BSR is defined to be transmitted for each LCG.

The UE (A) 100-1 transmits the BSR to the eNB 200 for each of the LCG 0 to the LCG 3. A scheduler of the eNB 200 recognizes a transmission buffer stay amount indicated by the BSR for each of the LCG 0 to the LCG 3, and performs uplink radio resource assignment corresponding to the transmission buffer stay amount.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the UE (A) 100-1 when switching a part of the applications to the D2D communication with the UE (B) 100-2 from the situation of FIG. 11.

When switching a part of the applications to the D2D communication, the MME/S-GW 300 (or the eNB 200) designates an application (here, the application 0) to be used in the D2D communication, and notifies the UE (A) 100-1 of the designated application 0.

The UE (A) 100-1 sets certain LCG (here, the LCG 3) to be dedicated for the application 0. That is, the UE (A) 100-1 secures the LCG 3 for the D2D communication, in addition to the LCG 0 to the LCG 2 for the cellular communication.

Furthermore, the UE (A) 100-1 secures a hardware resource for the D2D communication with respect to the LCG 3 for the D2D communication. The hardware resource indicates a resource (a processing resource) of the processor 160 and a resource (a memory resource) of the memory 150.

Moreover, the UE (A) 100-1 notifies the eNB 200 of the LCG 3 for the D2D communication.

The eNB 200 assigns a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) for the D2D communication to the LCG 3 for the D2D communication, which was notified from the UE (A) 100-1. The RNTI is a UE identifier that is temporarily provided for control. For example, the PDCCH includes RNTI of the UE 100 that is a transmission destination, and the UE 100 determines the presence or absence of radio resource assignment on the basis of the presence or absence of the RNTI of the UE 100 in the PDCCH.

Hereinafter, the RNTI for the D2D communication is called “D2D-RNTI”. In this way, the eNB 200 assigns the D2D-RNTI to the UE (A) 100-1, in addition to RNTI (C-RNTI) for the cellular communication. As a consequence, the total two RNTIs (the C-RNTI and the D2D-RNTI) are assigned to the UE (A) 100-1, so that initial setting of the D2D communication is completed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the UE (A) 100-1 during the D2D communication.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, in step S31, the UE (A) 100-1 transmits BSR MCE (MAC Control Element) to the eNB 200 together with transmission data (DAT) directed to the eNB 200. The BSR MCE includes BSRs of each of the LCG 0 to the LCG 3.

In step S32, on the basis of the BSR MCE, the eNB 200 recognizes a transmission buffer stay amount indicated by the BSR with respect to each of the LCG 0 to the LCG 3, and performs radio resource assignment corresponding to the transmission buffer stay amount for each of the LCG 0 to the LCG 3. Furthermore, on the basis of the transmission buffer stay amount for the LCG 3, the eNB 200 determines a radio resource to be assigned to the D2D communication. Then, the eNB 200 notifies the UE (A) 100-1 of the radio resource, which is to be assigned to the D2D communication, using the D2D-RNTI on the PDCCH.

In step S33, the UE (A) 100-1 transmits to the UE (B) 100-2 by using the radio resource assigned to the D2D communication.

In accordance with the radio resource assignment according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control radio resource assignment for the D2D communication, separately from the cellular communication. Furthermore, it is also possible to control the assignment of a radio resource in the D2D communication on the basis of the BSR.

(3.3) Transmission Power Control of D2D Communication

As described above, when the traffic generated by the application used in the D2D communication produces a high load and is continuous, a dedicated radio resource is periodically assigned to the D2D communication. The UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 performing the D2D communication alternately use the periodically assigned radio resource for transmission. Furthermore, the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 may perform repetitive transmission in response to an error situation and the like.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining transmission power control and retransmission control in the D2D communication. In FIG. 14, steps S41, S43, and S44 correspond to the D2D communication and step S42 corresponds to the cellular communication.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in step S41, the UE (A) 100-1 transmits data 1 to the UE (B) 100-2. The UE (A) 100-1 transmits TxPower MCE including information on transmission power of the transmission together with the data 1. In this way, when transmitting a radio signal to the UE (B) 100-2, the UE (A) 100-1 notifies the UE (B) 100-2 of the transmission power. Furthermore, the UE (A) 100-1 transmits HARQ Ack/Nack MCE including information on HARQ Ack/Nack for data 0, which was received from the UE (B) 100-2 in previous time, together with the data 1.

When the data 1 is received from the UE (A) 100-1, the UE (B) 100-2 measures received power of the reception. Furthermore, on the basis of the difference between the measured received power and the transmission power indicated by the TxPower MCE transmitted together with the data 1, the UE (B) 100-2 determines transmission power when performing next transmission with respect to the UE (A) 100-1. For example, as the difference between the transmission power and the received power of the data 1 from the UE (A) 100-1 is large, since propagation loss is large, the UE (B) 100-2 determines the transmission power when performing the next transmission with respect to the UE (A) 100-1 to be large.

In step S42, each of the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 performs transmission of data to the eNB 200. As described above, the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 transmit the BSR MCE at the time of the transmission of the data to the eNB 200.

In step S43, the UE (B) 100-2 transmits data 2 to the UE (A) 100-1. The UE (B) 100-2 transmits TxPower MCE including information on transmission power of the transmission together with the data 2. In this way, when transmitting a radio signal to the UE (A) 100-1, the UE (B) 100-2 notifies the UE (B) 100-2 of the transmission power. Furthermore, the UE (B) 100-2 transmits HARQ Ack/Nack MCE including information on HARQ Ack/Nack for the data 1, which was received from the UE (A) 100-1 in previous time, together with the data 2.

When the data 2 is received from the UE (B) 100-2, the UE (A) 100-1 measures received power of the data 2. Furthermore, on the basis of the difference between the measured received power and the transmission power indicated by the TxPower MCE transmitted together with the data 2, the UE (A) 100-1 determines transmission power when performing next transmission with respect to the UE (B) 100-2.

In step S44, the UE (A) 100-1 transmits the data 3 to the UE (B) 100-2. The UE (A) 100-1 transmits TxPower MCE including information on transmission power of the transmission together with the data 3. Furthermore, the UE (A) 100-1 transmits HARQ Ack/Nack MCE including information on HARQ Ack/Nack for data 2, which was received from the UE (B) 100-2 in previous time, together with the data 3.

Such processes are repeated, so that the transmission power control and the retransmission control in the D2D communication are performed.

In addition, when the distance between the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 is increased by the movement of the UE (A) 100-1 and/or the UE (B) 100-2, transmission power in the D2D communication becomes large. In the present embodiment, when the transmission power in the D2D communication exceeds maximum transmission power, the D2D communication is controlled to be stopped and switched to the cellular communication.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram when the transmission power in the D2D communication exceeds the maximum transmission power.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, in step S51, the eNB 200 transmits, on a broadcast channel (BCCH), maximum power information indicating maximum transmission power permitted in the D2D communication. Specifically, the eNB 200 puts the maximum power information into a master information block (MIB) or a system information block (SIB) and transmits the MIB or the SIB. When starting the D2D communication, the UE (A) 100-1 and/or the UE (B) 100-2 acquires and stores the maximum power information from the eNB 200.

In step S52, the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 perform the D2D communication. Hereinafter, the following description will be given on the assumption that the UE (A) 100-1 detects that the transmission power in the D2D communication exceeds the maximum transmission power.

In step S53, the UE (A) 100-1 notifies the eNB 200 of the fact that the transmission power in the D2D communication exceeds the maximum transmission power. In other words, the UE (A) 100-1 requests the eNB 200 to switch the D2D communication to the cellular communication.

In step S54, the eNB 200 instructs the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 to switch the D2D communication to the cellular communication, and performs the assignment of a radio resource for the cellular communication.

In steps S55 and S56, the UE (A) 100-1 and the UE (B) 100-2 switch the D2D communication to the cellular communication.

In accordance with the transmission power control according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately control the transmission power in the D2D communication.

(3.4) Interference Avoidance Operation of D2D Communication

In the present embodiment, when the D2D communication receives interference from the cellular communication or another D2D communication, the interference is avoided by changing radio resource assignment.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are diagrams for explaining an interference avoidance operation according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, a pair of UE (1A) 100-1 and UE (1B) 100-2 performs the D2D communication and a pair of UE (2A) 100-3 and UE (2B) 100-4 also performs the D2D communication. Furthermore, it is assumed that radio resources used in each D2D communication are equal to each other and receive the influence of interference from each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, when a reception failure is detected, the UE (1A) 100-1 transmits a failure notification related to the reception failure during the D2D communication, to the eNB 200. The reception failure indicates failure of reception at a reception timing (specifically, it is not possible to decode received data). The failure notification includes the identifier of the UE (1A) 100-1 and information indicating that the D2D communication is being performed. In addition, when it is possible to receive and decode an interference wave from the other D2D communication pair that is a cause of the reception failure, the UE (A) 100-1 may determine that the other D2D communication pair is an interference source and include information on the other D2D communication pair, in the failure notification.

Furthermore, similarly, when reception failure is detected, the UE (2A) 100-3 also transmits failure notification related to the reception failure during the D2D communication to the eNB 200. The failure notification includes the identifier of the UE (2A) 100-3 and information indicating that the D2D communication is being performed. In addition, when it is possible to receive and decode an interference wave from the other D2D communication pair that is a cause of the reception failure, the UE (2A) 100-3 may determine that the other D2D communication pair is an interference source and include information on the other D2D communication pair, in the failure notification.

When receiving each failure notification from the D2D communication pair including the UE (1A) 100-1 and the UE (1B) 100-2 and the D2D communication pair including the UE (2A) 100-3 and the UE (2B) 100-4, the eNB 200 determines whether each D2D communication pair uses the same radio resource in the D2D communication.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, when it is determined that each D2D communication pair uses the same radio resource in the D2D communication, the eNB 200 determines that each D2D communication pair receives the influence of interference from each other and changes the assignment of the radio resource of one D2D communication pair. For example, the eNB 200 reassigns a different radio resource to the D2D communication pair including the UE (1A) 100-1 and the UE (1B) 100-2. In this way, the interference of the D2D communication is avoided.

(4) Other Embodiments

It should not be understood that those descriptions and drawings constituting a part of the present disclosure limit the present invention. Further, various substitutions, examples, or operational techniques shall be apparent to a person skilled in the art on the basis of this disclosure.

In the aforementioned embodiment, an entity determining whether the D2D communication is possible is the MME/S-GW 300. However, the eNB 200 may determine whether the D2D communication is possible.

In the aforementioned embodiment, an entity determining the method of assigning radio resource is the eNB 200. However, the MME/S-GW 300 may determine the method of assigning radio resource and notify the eNB 200 of a result of the determination. Furthermore, the aforementioned embodiment has described an example of determining the method of assigning radio resource on the basis of the identifier of an application. However, instead of the identifier of the application, an identifier of communication quality (that is, QoS) required for the application may be used. Such an identifier of the QoS is called QCI (QoS Class Identifier).

In the aforementioned embodiment, the eNB 200 transmits, on the broadcast channel (BCCH), the maximum power information indicating the maximum transmission power permitted in the D2D communication. However, the maximum power information may be individually transmitted to the UE 100. In this case, it is preferable that the eNB 200 determines the maximum transmission power permitted in the D2D communication in response to propagation loss between the eNB 200 and the UE 100. For example, as the propagation loss between the eNB 200 and the UE 100 is small, the eNB 200 determines the maximum transmission power permitted in the D2D communication to be small.

In addition, the entire content of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/656,174 (filed on Jun. 6, 2012) is incorporated in the present specification by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the present invention is able to appropriately control the D2D communication, and thus is available for a radio communication field such as cellular mobile communication. 

1. A communication control method used in a cellular mobile communication system that performs inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, comprising: a step of transmitting, by a first user terminal, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication; a step of transmitting, by the network, to a second user terminal, start request information for starting waiting for a search signal, in a case where the second user terminal identified on the basis of the communication request information is stopping the waiting for the search signal for the inter-terminal communication; and a step of starting, by the second user terminal, waiting for the search signal upon receiving the start request information from the network.
 2. The communication control method according to claim 1, wherein the communication request information includes at least one of: an identifier of an application to be used in the inter-terminal communication; an identifier of a group of user terminals between which the inter-terminal communication is to be performed; and an identifier of the second user terminal.
 3. The communication control method according to claim 1, further comprising: a step of starting, by the first user terminal, a transmission of the search signal when it is desired to start the inter-terminal communication; and a step of transmitting, by the second user terminal, to the first user terminal, a response signal for the search signal upon receiving the search signal from the first user terminal after starting the waiting.
 4. The communication control method according to claim 3, further comprising: a step of notifying, by the second user terminal, the network of transmission power of the response signal and received power of the search signal upon transmitting the response signal; a step of notifying, by the first user terminal, the network of received power of the response signal and transmission power of the search signal upon receiving the response signal; and a step of determining, by the network, whether the inter-terminal communication by the first user terminal and the second user terminal is possible on the basis of a distance estimated from the transmission power and the received power of the search signal and the transmission power and the received power of the response signal.
 5. A user terminal that performs inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, comprising: a processor that performs a process for transmitting, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication.
 6. A user terminal that performs inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, comprising: a processor that performs a process for, in a case where waiting for a search signal for the inter-terminal communication is being stopping, starting waiting for the search signal upon receiving start request information for starting waiting for the search signal from the network.
 7. A processor provided in a user terminal that performs inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, wherein the processor performs a process for transmitting, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication.
 8. A processor provided in a user terminal that performs inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, wherein the processor performs a process for, in a case where waiting for a search signal for the inter-terminal communication is being stopped, starting waiting for the search signal upon receiving start request information for starting waiting for the search signal from the network.
 9. A storage medium provided in a user terminal that performs inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, wherein the storage medium stores therein a program for the user terminal to perform a process for transmitting, to the network, communication request information indicating a desire to start the inter-terminal communication.
 10. A storage medium provided in a user terminal that performs inter-terminal communication that is direct radio communication capable of being performed between user terminals in a state where a radio connection with a network is established, wherein the storage medium stores therein a program for the user terminal to perform a process for, in a case where waiting for a search signal for the inter-terminal communication is being stopped, starting waiting for the search signal upon receiving start request information for starting waiting for the search signal from the network. 